Part 1: Hearst's San Francisco Sensation

In 1887, a 24-year-old Harvard dropout takes over a struggling San Francisco newspaper. Within weeks, he's arrested for libel. Meet William Randolph Hearst, the audacious young publisher who transforms The San Francisco Examiner from a money-losing headache into the 'Monarch of the Dailies.' Discover how Hearst's outrageous stunts—like timing how long it takes a ferry to rescue an overboard reporter—skyrocket circulation from 5,000 to 55,000 in just three years. And meet the mother who controls his purse strings. From championing racist policies to laying the foundations of his media empire, Hearst's rise proves as controversial as it is meteoric. Listen as this mercurial maverick makes his mark on journalism. Learn more about American Experience  Follow the show on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads ------------------------------ Credits:  Lead Producer: Devin Maverick Robins Associate Producer: Meiqian He Scriptwriter: Galen Beebe Story Editor: Devin Maverick Robins Editorial Advisor: John Bredar Sound Designer: Jack Pombriant Narrator: James Edwards Executive Producer: Cameo George

Om Podcasten

"American Experience Presents" brings a fresh take on the iconic stories told on TV's most-watched history series. This 10-episode anthology launches with three powerful narratives: Joseph McCarthy, whose anti-communist crusade terrorized 1950s America; media titan William Randolph Hearst, the newspaper mogul whose empire shaped public opinion for decades; and Sgt. Isaac Woodard, the decorated World War II veteran whose brutal assault by police sparked a civil rights awakening. This new GBH podcast examines how these three transformative figures shaped pivotal moments in 20th century America, bringing their stories to life for a new generation of listeners. Connect with American Experience on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Threads and YouTube. ----------------------------------- Credits: Lead Producer: Devin Maverick Robins Associate Producer: Meiqian He Scriptwriters: Galen Beebe and Andrew Newman Story Editor: Devin Maverick Robins  Editorial Advisor: John Bredar Sound Designer: Jack Pombriant Narrators: James Edwards and Cameo George Executive Producer: Cameo George